Qtrax expands globally

Digital music service Qtrax has launched in beta in India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand, kicking off the rather odd legal file-sharing service’s expansion outside of North America.

There has, of course, been much speculation about the future of Qtrax after its false start at Midem in 2008, and the subsequent much delayed international roll out. A lukewarm response to its DRM-heavy Microsoft-reliant platform and ongoing legal squabbles with technology partners Oracle haven’t helped. But, according to Music Week, Qtrax boss Allan Klepfisz was upbeat last week, saying: “Qtrax is beginning with a strong Asia focus. The opportunities in this part of the world are very substantial. There is massive music consumption, combined with fewer legal services. We are very excited about building our presence across Asian markets”.

Further expansion is expected into South America and Russia, while the country’s previously reported deal with controversial Chinese search engine Baidu is expected to result in a launch in China.